Two paths diverged in a wood...

Raising children in a semi-urban environment has it's challenges. One of those challenges is getting them exposed to the great outdoors, without a long drive to waste time and energy. I've discovered a few nearby areas within a half hour of our home.

The closest is Thatcher Woods, connected with the Desplaines River Trail.






While the trails there are a bit soggy much of the time, M loves to get down to the river or just run around in the woods.


While a bit further away, Fullersburg Woods is a great place for kids and adults. The nature building allows kids to explore, assemble a very large wooden bug and other puzzles, and climb into an indoor treehouse. The trails are great for running, with or without a jogging stroller, biking (even with training wheels), walking/hiking, and finding lots of creeks and ponds to feed the ducks and geese. Baby stroller assess isn't impossible either...we took A there when she was 2 months old!
Attached to the preserve is Graue Mill, an old water powered grain mill which facinates both M and I.
These pics borrowed from a flicker shot found through a google search: